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Do we need broadcast TV in new lounge, or just streaming?

8 replies

Clearinguptheclutter · 21/03/2026 10:47

We are getting an extension built which will be a lounge/tv room -there are various technical challenges in terms of getting a tv connected there.

my view is that all we need is good internet as I (can) stream 99% of what I watch through iplayer, Netflix or Disney plus

husband is adamant that we also need “broadcast” telly, specifically for sporting events that might be streamed but he reckons the quality will be much better “broadcast”. Also, although the internet is generally reliable, it does go “down” occasionally.

the two options for this are using the satellite dish (for freesat) as we do currently. The complication with this is we need a freesat compatible telly which appears to be a dying breed and massively limits tv options. The other option is via the old fashioned aerial which we’ve never used and although we can see it on the roof we are not sure where the cable ends up. Obviously we might need to get an expert in to help with this.

But I’m asking the question - do mumsnetters think that there is a need for “traditional” telly channels or do you just stream. And if you get traditional telly does it come via aerial, cable, dish, or something else? What would you do if you were starting afresh?

OP posts:
Clearinguptheclutter · 21/03/2026 12:53

Bumping for the afternoon crowd (sorry I should have warned you it was a boring question)

OP posts:
Tempodrom · 21/03/2026 13:34

Streaming is often behind broadcast tv. Not sure if the quality is different but there can be upto a minute delay we’ve noticed- not great to get a goal notification before you’ve watched it 🤣

Clearinguptheclutter · 21/03/2026 13:48

Tempodrom · 21/03/2026 13:34

Streaming is often behind broadcast tv. Not sure if the quality is different but there can be upto a minute delay we’ve noticed- not great to get a goal notification before you’ve watched it 🤣

That is a helpful point very valid re sporting events in particular!

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Decoart · 21/03/2026 13:54

DH big sports fan and we just have streaming in the lounge - thanks to builder putting ariel in an odd place. Not missed having 'live tv' at all.

DeQuin · 21/03/2026 13:56

We haven’t had anything but streaming since Nov 24. No issues for us. DH watches footie and rugby.

WhatWouldTheDoctorDo · 21/03/2026 14:04

We had an aerial installed when we moved into our new build because it was going to be a few weeks till we had wifi, and we wanted a back up. It’s very rarely used tbh, we have a smart tv with all the apps, and rarely watch shows at the time they are being broadcast. Though actually, when the rugby was on ITV recently we had to watch it on live tv. We have no boxes or anything, just smart tv apps.

i think if it’s easy enough to install while you are doing your extension it’s worth having as a back up. I was a bit sceptical about our aerial because of weather etc. but it’s actually in the loft, and the quality had improved a lot since we last had one in a loft.

twohotwaterbottles · 21/03/2026 14:06

I don't have live tv. It's all fine

KnickerlessParsons · 21/03/2026 14:46

I watch terrestrial TV most of the time and only venture into streaming platforms when there’s nothing I want to watch on “real” TV.

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